The state of Indiana is home to many universities that offer MSN programs. Indiana is in the region of the Midwestern Great Lakes. It is the 16th most populous but only the 38th largest in the country and is often referred to as the Crossroads of America. West of the Appalachian Mountains, it is actually the least extensive state. Interestingly, however, it is home to some of the country’s best MSN degree programs.
Before taking a look at the top 5 MSN programs, let’s take a look at the salary and job outlook for those who achieve their MSN in this state.
Salary Prospects and Job Outlook for MSN Degree Holders in Indiana
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics study in 2010, the average salary for an RN in Indiana was $57,820 per year or $27.80 per hour. This was well below the national average but this was mainly due to the fact that the cost of living in Indiana was 12.7% below the national average, meaning that RNs have the same spending power there as they would in any other state. The top 10% of RNs earned $78,000 or more per year while the bottom 10% earned $40,160 or les.
Some 60,300 RNs worked in Indiana at that time, with over a third of them in Carmel and Indianapolis. In these areas, the average annual wage was also slightly higher, but this was due to the higher cost of living (although this was still below the national average). Carmel was the most expensive place in Indiana to work in.
Gary was the city with the highest RN salary, where the average stood at $61,950. The top 10% were able to earn over $81,800 while the bottom 10% earned $44,450. Interestingly, the cost of living was well below the national average in Gary. In fact, it was 22.5% lower. This means that Gary was one of the best places in the state to work as an RN. Consequently, however, competition was fierce and preference was given to nurses with the highest level of education. This is one of the reasons why might want to consider obtaining an MSN degree if you intend to work in Indiana.
Top 5 Indiana MSN Degree Programs
Choosing the right MSN degree program is very important. Firstly, you must find the specialization that you are interested in. Secondly, you have to make sure that the philosophy of the school fits in with your own personal philosophies as well. Naturally, the most important thing is that the school offers high quality education. See also 25+ Top Nursing Schools in Indiana.
Let’s take a look at the five best MSN degree programs in Indiana.
1. Ball State University School of Nursing
Ball State University is in Muncie, which is about an hour outside of Indianapolis. It is a public university that currently houses some 17,000 students. It is one of the best colleges and public schools in our country. The School of Nursing has been particularly recognized for its excellence, and even more so for its online program.
• Campus: Muncie, IN
• Type: Public
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Tuition: $315 per credit hour
• Degree requirements: BSN, GPA of 3.0 at least, research course, RN license
• Minimum time commitment: 36 to 50 credit hours depending on chosen program
• Programs: MSN Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), MSN Nurse Administrator, MSN Nurse Educator
• School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
2. Bethel College School of Nursing
The Bethel College of Nursing is a Christian college. It has affiliations to the Missionary Church. It is found in Mishawaka, an urban area of Indiana. It has recently been ranked as 19th in Midwestern colleges, which is incredibly high. Additionally, the nursing graduate programs are also officially recognized as being outstanding.
• Campus: Mishawaka, IN
• Type: Public
• Accreditation: ACEN
• Tuition: $33,260 per year
• Degree requirements: Transcripts, letters of reference
• Minimum time commitment: 36 semester hours
• Programs: MSN Nurse Administration, MSN Nurse Education
• School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
3. Goshen College Department of Nursing
Goshen College is part of the Mennonite Church. This means that it applies the traditions of the peace church in its educational philosophy. It is a small college, with only around 1,000 students. However, it is one of the best liberal arts colleges in our country. The programs offered in nursing have also been acclaimed, particularly for those students who want to become advanced practice nurses.
• Campus: Goshen, IN
• Type: Private
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Tuition: $29,010 for the full program
• Degree requirements: GPA of 3.0 minimum, resume, BSN, RN license, three letters of recommendation, essay, one year work experience at least, TOEFL if applicable, statistics class, interview
• Minimum time commitment: 48 credit hours
• Programs: MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
• School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
4. Indiana State University College of Nursing and Human Services
Indiana State University is only just outside of Indianapolis, in Terre Haute. It is a public institution that is ranked quite high on the national scales. Furthermore, Forbes has recognized them as being one of the better schools in the Midwest. Additionally, the College of Nursing and Human Services in particular has been distinguished for being one of the best in our country. The school also offers a number of distance learning options.
• Campus: Terre Haute, IN
• Type: Public
• Accreditation: ACEN
• Tuition: $380 per credit hour
• Degree requirements: Transcripts, BSN, RN license
• Minimum time commitment: Varies depending on chosen degree
• Programs: MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), MSN Nursing Administration, MSN Nursing Education
• School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
5. Indiana University East School of Nursing
The Indiana University East is classed as the best institution for master’s degree in Indiana as well as western Ohio. It is near Richmond, just outside of the border with Ohio. It is a fully accredited school that has made a commitment to ensure students are able to learn in creative ways, using hands-on experiences.
• Campus: Richmond, IN
• Type: Public
• Accreditation: ACEN
• Tuition: Varies depending on personal circumstances
• Degree requirements: GPA of 3.0 minimum, RN license and at least one year’s work experience, statistics course, personal statement, resume, two letters of recommendation
• Minimum time commitment: 39 semester credits
• Programs: MSN Nursing Education
• School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid